Hike-in Required
Yes
Open Year-round
Yes
ADA accessible
No
Guided tours
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Inspiration Point Lookout is a viewpoint in the San Gabriel Mountains' front range. It features a covered picnic area with tables and benches, as well as telescopes pointing west, overlooking Los Angeles. The telescopes are positioned and aimed at different points of interest, such as Hollywood and Venice Beach. You will see a drastically different view when you turn away from the telescopes and look east. There is no cityscape here; instead you are surrounded by rugged peaks and deep canyons of the San Gabriel Wilderness. 

You can reach Inspiration Point Lookout by hiking 4.5 miles one way along the Sam Merrill Trail and the Castle Canyon Trail. The lookout does not have access to water or toilet facilities.   

For more information please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recarea/?recid=41874

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Pros

Scenic Viewpoint. Telescopes. Covered Picnic Area.

Cons

Not easily accessible.

Pets allowed

Allowed with Restrictions

Features

Covered picnic areas
Backcountry camping
Historically significant
Wildlife
Big vistas
Picnic tables

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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